Character Analysis: Falstaff

1534 Words4 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Characterization of women in hamlet

Shakespeare presents a collection of conventional heroes in Henry IV Part 1. Hal’s transformation, Hotspur’s bravery, and King Henry’s aggressive reign echo the societal values of the traditional Elizabethan male. These characters are all examples of society’s standards. Sir John Falstaff’s round, animated personality contrasts these flat characters in the play. By creating a man who flagrantly disregards societal norms through unconventional behavior, Shakespeare supports personal value over societal values. In Part 1 of Henry IV, Falstaff is the only character who truly develops. Hal, though apparently transformed from rebellious to courageous, recognizes that he is blanketed by “foul and ugly mists of vapor that seem to strangle him” (1.3). King Henry, also, remains riddled with guilt. Only Falstaff contrasts his static compatriots. This flagrant disregard for societal expectations allows Falstaff flexibility that is often unheard of in Elizabethan times. Always transforming, Falstaff is in direct contrast with Hal and his fixed, unwavering station. Falstaff’s erratic personality is exemplified numerous times throughout the play; for example he changes his story about the events that occurred on Gadshill. Falstaff, at first, seems to be irresponsible. Even Hal points out Falstaff’s flaws: “thou art so fat witted…thou has forgotten to demand that truly which thou wouldst truly know” (1.1) when Falstaff inquires as to the time. His apparent idleness, however, does not necessarily suggest irresponsibility. Rather, it symbolizes his indifference to structure and balance. Falstaff rejects the mundane, and therefore is unbothered by the concept of time and its obligations. He achieves a sense of freedom from the duties and opi... ... middle of paper ... ...to be taken seriously allows him to cunningly veil his malignant comments with humor thus enabling him to voice his opinions safely. By combining Falstaff’s individuality, personal values, and audience appeal, the character of Falstaff conveys an important theme: the significance of the individual. Though societal values and the individuals within those societies depend on one another, Falstaff confirms the urgent need for one to stay true to who they are, no matter what societal norms decree. Falstaff survives by adhering to his own beliefs, and by doing so remains immortal within the realm of literature. Works Cited "Essay, the Dramatic Character of Sir John Falstaff E-book by Maurice Morgann." OpenDB.Network :: Web Is Not Read Only - Home. Web. 01 Mar. 2011. .

Show More
Related

  • King Henry Iv Part 1

    1098 Words  | 3 Pages

    Falstaff’s speech is highly typical of the tavern world’s way of thinking: straightforward, sometimes humorous, spoken in prose, and only the values of the tavern world taken into consideration, with no regard for such insubstantial, un-physical concepts as honour. In this way, and speaking directly to the audience, Falstaff effectively expresses his unashamed resolution not to submit to moral order.

    Read More

  • Honor in Prince Hal

    999 Words  | 2 Pages

    The first influence that Shakespeare illustrates over Prince Hal is that of Falstaff, a fat old man who seems to spend his life in seedy taverns accruing massive amounts of debt. From his devious scheme to rob unknowing travelers at the beginning of the story to his diatribe on what honor is not, it is clear that Falstaff has a very distinct notion of his own personal honor, and he seems to be trying to project that same notion onto Hal; however, as Hal becomes closer to his father, Falstaff's honor becomes less appealing. Falstaff treats Hal and King Henry IV to his own personal code of honor-or lack thereof:

    Read More

  • Sir John Falstaff

    548 Words  | 2 Pages

    Humans are addicted to judging others on their first impression. Humans will never read into the book, they just look at the cover. Many people, both fictional and nonfictional can not be judged until you study them. Someone who first appears to be only comic relief, could end up to be a very important character. Sir John Falstaff is but one of these people. Falstaff's righteousness hides under his vocalization. John Falstaff's character is hard to understand without analyzing his words. He loves to play games with his speech. Falstaff tricks his audience with complex words and phrases. Often John would win over his opponent by tricking them into saying things that they did not mean or getting them to think that he is not that bad. Falstaff said this in Part I act II scene IV. "... A question not to be asked. Shall the son of England prove a thief and take purses? A question to be asked. There is a thing, Harry, which thou hast often heard of, and it is known to many in our land by the name of pitch. This pitch, as ancient writers do report, doth defile; so doth the company thou keepest. For, Harry, now I do not speak to thee in drink, but in tears; not in pleasure, but in passion; not in words only, but in woes also; and yet there is a virtuous man whom I have often noted in thy company, but I know not his name." In this passage, the Prince and Fastaff trade places in speech and try to make the other look dumb. Fastaff later goes on to say that this wonderful person that the King is talking about. The way Falstaff does this proves him to be very keen. He proves that even though he may look dumb, he will still put up a good fight. Falstaff is very bold about his thoughts and opinions. He stands out because he is not afraid to think his own way. While most people agree, because of the other people around them, Falstaff chooses to make his own decisions and think for himself. This is proven when Falstaff and the prince switch places in a verbal fight. Every one else in the book thinks of the Prince as a perfect young man because he is the prince, however Falstaff is too smart for this, he points out that the prince is a thief.

    Read More

  • Character Analysis Of Falstaff

    1467 Words  | 3 Pages

    He is accepted for his faults and further appreciated for his humor. Once receptive to Falstaff’s follies, an underlying wisdom can be found. Shakespeare offers Falstaff as a guide to living beyond the confines of convention, out of all the order. Disguised in banter, Falstaff calls into question values of morality and nobility. His manner is harmless in both words and actions. Of all the loyalty and disloyalty that incites political turbulence in the play, Falstaff remains inert. He does not enact any cruel aggression in effort to achieve power. Nevertheless, Falstaff commits slight though significant transgressions against Prince Hal and aristocratic values. These transgressions begin in conversation and eventually result in Falstaff’s action on the

    Read More

  • King Henry IV

    594 Words  | 2 Pages

    Falstaff who seems to be Hal’s role model while in the Tavern, is putting forth a great deal of effort to have Hal conform into the lowlife that he himself has made himself out to be. Falstaff teaches Hal how to lie, cheat, and steal, but Hal seems to have a mind of his own. He tells his father that at any given moment he can change his character and be what his father wants him to be. Henry declines to believe these statements.

    Read More

  • Comedy in I Henry IV and II Henry IV by William Shakespeare

    2529 Words  | 6 Pages

    In I Henry IV and II Henry IV, William Shakespeare brings together drama and comedy to create two of the most compelling history plays ever written. Many of Shakespeare's other works are nearly absolute in their adherence to either the comic or tragic traditions, but in the two Henry IV plays Shakespeare combines comedy and drama in ways that seem to bring a certain realism to his characters, and thus the plays. The present essay is an examination of the various and significant effects that Shakespeare's comedic scenes have on I Henry IV and II Henry IV. The Diversity of Society

    Read More

  • Father/Son Relationships in Shakespeare's Henry IV, Part One

    804 Words  | 2 Pages

    The relationship between a father and his son is an important theme in Shakespeare's Henry IV, Part One, as it relates to the two main characters of the play, Prince Hal and Hotspur. These two characters, considered as youths and future rulers to the reader, are exposed to father-figures whose actions will influence their actions in later years. Both characters have two such father-figures; Henry IV and Falstaff for Prince Hal, and the Earl of Northumberland and the Earl of Worcester for Hotspur. Both father-figures for Hal and Hotspur have obvious good and bad connotations in their influence on the character. For example, Falstaff, in his drinking and reveling, is clearly a poor influence for a future ruler such as Prince Hal, and Worcester, who shares Hotspur's temper, encourages Hotspur to make rash decisions. The entire plot of the play is based on which father-figure these characters choose to follow: had they chosen the other, the outcome would have been wholly different.

    Read More

  • Why Shakespeare Created Falstaff in Henry IV

    849 Words  | 2 Pages

    Falstaff is a central element in the two parts of Henry IV, he is supports the structure of the play. Yet he does seem to be a mainly fun maker, a character whom we laugh with and laugh at. The perfect example for this was the fat knight's account of the double robbery at Gadshill. The part of plump Jack is joyously expanded and diversified, for the delight of men and the glory of, Shakespeare. It is plain that the role of Sir John is not restricted to what is indispensable to Shakespeare's main purpose. Falstaff lies at the very foundation of these plays, that it is a structural necessity.

    Read More

  • Henry IV, Part 1, by Shakespeare

    1108 Words  | 3 Pages

    Hal is the Prince of Wales and heir to the British throne was able to manipulate both the nobles and the court in order to satisfy his needs. Firstly, his ability to speak confidently between the lower class and upper class allowed him to gain authority of many things. In the beginning of the play, Poins tells Hal and Falstaff there is a robbery planned for...

    Read More

  • Henry the Fifth

    717 Words  | 2 Pages

    Henry’s personable nature is formed to enhance his ability to connect to his men. He uses this side of himself when he pretends to be a commoner before the battle of Agincourt. From his earlier vagabond years, Henry understands the psyche of the common man, and he uses this experience to make himself accessible as a person. Henry understands morale is low, and that his troops need to feel support so they do not give up. To do this, Henry disguises himself and speaks as a friend to his men to understand their opinions of the battle ahead. This persona differs so greatly from what most men see of Henry that his men can not even recognize their own king. Henry even drops the name “Harry le Roy,” with le roi being French for the king. The goal of this encounter is to retrieve unbiased intelligence about how his men feel without the intimidation that is associated with talking to the king. With this persona, Henry gets such candid results that he is insulted by a man named Williams. By disguising himself and changing his persona, Henry manipulates his own personality. He uses experiences from his previous lifestyle, builds on them, and then uses...

    Read More

  • The Flawed King in Shakespeare's Henry V

    1567 Words  | 4 Pages

    Shakespeare, William. "Henry V." The Norton Shakespeare: Histories. Eds. Stephen Greenblatt, Walter Cohen, Jean E. Howard, and Katherine Eisaman Maus. London: Norton, 1997. 726-795.

    Read More

  • Essay on Hotspur as Tragic Hero of Henry IV

    1312 Words  | 3 Pages

    In Shakespeare's Henry IV Part One, the characters' many different conceptions of honor govern how they respond to situations.  Each character's conception of honor has a great impact on the character's standing after the play.  For instance, Falstaff survived because he dishonorably faked his own death, and his untrue claim that he was the one who killed Hotspur may get him a title and land.  On the other hand, Hotspur lies dead after losing a duel for honor.  Hotspur, who is in many ways the ideal man by the standards of his time, is killed by his lust for honor.  In creating Hotspur, Shakespeare has created a variation on the tragic hero of other works: the stubborn tragic hero, who, dying for his fault of honor, does not at last understand his weakness.

    Read More

  • The Price of Mercy in Hamlet

    1363 Words  | 3 Pages

    This was researched and written by James Hallam as part of the course on Shakespeare by Individual Studies. Copyright is retained by James Hallam. This material may freely be used, so long as the author and source are cited.

    Read More

  • Analysis Of Prince Hal And Falstaff's Henry IV: Part II

    1338 Words  | 3 Pages

    He is happy being a drunkard and someone who indulges what he wants. But he also realizes that it is not the type of life that a prince, or a king, should associate himself with, which leads him to his pleading—another reason the scene is prophetic. He pleads with Henry about his morality, much like he will do later in the play and in Henry IV: Part II. Though the play extempore is supposed to prepare Henry for his encounter with his father. Falstaff realizes it may be a good time to practice the inevitable encounter that he will have with Hal once he becomes king. This argument can be further developed when one realizes that it was Falstaff that called for the play extempore, not Hal. Falstaff knew he wanted a trial run before Hal’s kingship, so he gave himself one. However, Hal’s only reaction to Falstaff’s final speech is his line, “I do, I will” (2.4. 465). Some may take this as his answer to Falstaff that he will pardon him, and continue to be his friend. But the argument could be made that Hal is saying that line more to himself than to Falstaff. He is saying that he will do what’s necessary to be a good king. That he does have what it takes to leave a life he enjoys for a life of

    Read More

  • Much Ado About Nothing - A Feminist Perspective of Hero

    915 Words  | 2 Pages

    Shakespeare’s Personality. Ed. Norman N. Holland, Sidney Homan, and Bernard J. Paris. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1989. 116. - 134.

    Read More

More about Character Analysis: Falstaff

Open Document